Green Crafts: How to Make Jewelry from Old Clothes

Green crafts have many benefits, and you can learn how to make jewelry from old clothes. Reusing old clothes to make custom jewelry and accessories is a great way to save money and keep stuff out of landfills. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating a rag charm bracelet and knot necklace.

Rag Charm Bracelet

Charm bracelets are popular, and this green craft makes a great addition to your jewelry collection.

For this craft you will need an old piece of clothing, a hot glue gun, glue sticks, scissors, a chain that is long enough to fit around your wrist, a clasp, and 2 O-rings. Start by plugging in your glue gun. Also cut a 6 by 3 inch piece of fabric from the old clothing.

Then open the O-rings and attach the clasp to the the ends of the chains. Close the O-rings to secure both the clasp and the bracelet together. Then using the scissor cut small notches along the longer side of the fabric. Rip the fabric apart along the notches. You will have many strips.

Glue the strips along the length of the bracelet. Using the scissors trim the ends of the strips to the desired length. When the glue is dry you can wear your green jewelry craft.

Rag Knot Necklace

An inexpensive green jewelry craft is a knot necklace. For this craft you will need a few pieces of old clothes, scissors, a hot glue gun, and hot glue sticks. Pants and long sleeves work best for this jewelry craft because you will use longer pieces of old clothing.

Start by cutting 3 long strips of fabric that are about a quarter to a half inch wide. These strips will have to be twice the length of the desired necklace length, and remember to add about 4 more inches to compensate for the knot and braid.

Fold the strips in half, and tie the looped end into a knot. Make sure to leave the loop wide enough to fit your finger through it. Then braid the length of the strips until you reach the end. Tie the end in a knot that will fit through the loop.

Then cut 3-6 more pieces of rags about 12 inches long. Fold the strip in half and tie the ends on a knot. Continue knotting the end until the length is from 2-3 inches. Then attach the knots to the necklace to add interest. Start attaching by placing the loop underneath the necklace. Wrap the ball over the necklace and through the loop again. Pull it tightly and the green necklace is complete.

Green crafts are popular and inexpensive. These jewelry crafts are green because they are made from old clothing items. Instead of throwing out that ripped shirt try make green crafts with it; there are wonderful jewelry craft you can make with your old clothing.

How to Make Custom Hair Clips

You can learn how to make custom hair clips with this detailed article. Making custom hair clips is fun and easy. It allows you to make hair clips that match your wardrobe and suit your style. This article will provide you with detailed instructions for creating a custom hair clips with flowers, foam, and buttons.

Floral

A floral hair clip is easy to make. All you need for this craft is fake flowers, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, fake leaves, and a hair clip. Start by pulling the flower buds off the stem. Also pull the leaves off the stem or use scissors to cut them off. You may also have to cut the bottom of the flower bud to make it lay flat.

Then glue the leaves to the outside base of the hair clip. Make sure the leaves cover the base. Then add the flowers by covering the bottom with glue and pressing it gently on top of the leaves. You may have to squeeze some glue into the center of the flower to hold all of the petals together. This custom hair clip is a perfect way to add flowers to your style.

Foam

Another material that is perfect for making custom hair clips is foam. For this craft you will need foam sheets or cut outs, scissors, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, and a hair clip. You may also want to use paint markers to add detail to this custom hair clip.

If you have already cut foam shapes you will start by choosing the shapes you like. If you are using foam sheets you should use a piece of chalk to dry the desired shape onto the foam. Then cut the shape out and wipe off the chalk outline.

Glue the foam shapes to the hair clip using the hot glue gun. Feel free to layer the foam sheets for depth and detail. You can also use the paint markers to draw on the foam.

Buttons

Buttons are a fun and easy material to use when learning how to make a custom hair clip. You will need buttons, sandpaper, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, a wet paper towel, and a hair clip for this custom craft.

Start by choosing interesting buttons and sanding the bottoms with sandpaper. Use the wet paper towel to wipe the dust off of the bottom of the buttons. When the buttons are dry use the hot glue gun to attach them to the hair clip. When the glue is cool you can wear your custom accessory.

Learning how to make a custom hair clip does not have to be hard or complicated. These instructions will teach yo how to make an awesome custom hair clip on the first try.

How to Get Rid of Spider Mites Naturally

 

Learning how to get rid of spider mites naturally takes persistence and a few simple tricks. Spider mites are pests that will ruin and kill your plants. Spider mites are so tiny you can barely see them, but they damage they can do is completely evident. This article will explain how to get rid of spider mites naturally.

First it is important to know a little bit about spider mites if you hope to get rid of them. Spider mites are really small and can barely be seen. A good way to check for spider mites is to hold a white piece of paper underneath the leaves of your affected plants. Then rub the underneath of the leaf with a Popsicle stick. The tiny mites will fall onto the paper and be visible. These tiny pests also leave a light web on lower leaves of your plants. If you notice this sign you probably have a spider mite problem that you should get rid of naturally.

Moisture and Humidity

Plants that do not have enough moisture or humidity are very susceptible to spider mites. Keep your plants moist is important to spider mite control, and depending on the plant you are naturally protecting you will have to choose a method for moisture. Houseplants can be sprayed or misted a couple of times a day to keep humidity high. To add moisture to houseplants simply place a dish of water underneath the pot. Adding mulch or peat moss to garden plants will help retain moisture. For garden plants misting or spraying regularly will help drown spider mites and get rid of them naturally.

Rubbing Alcohol

When trying to get rid of spider mites naturally you should try rubbing alcohol. Mixing alcohol with water and spraying your plants will help get rid of spider mites naturally without damaging your plants. You can mix 1 part alcohol to 1 or 2 parts water for maximum effectiveness. You can also use a cotton ball dipped in straight rubbing alcohol to gently rub the spider mites on the bottom of the leaves of your plants. Alcohol will kill the spider mites in contact. Remember to use these methods in the evening time so the alcohol will evaporate without the sun causing burn to your leaves.

Dish Detergent

Dish detergent is an excellent way to get rid of spider mites and other garden pests naturally. Mix 2 tablespoons of dish detergent with a cup of water and spray plants thoroughly with the mixture. Allow the spray to dry and water your garden as usual.

When trying to get rid of spider mites naturally it is important to cover the entire plants when spraying. Missing a spot might mean missing spider mites. It is also important to repeat the procedures every other day for at least a week to completely kill the spider mites during all cycles of their lives.

How to Dry Fresh Herbs

 

You can learn how to dry fresh herbs right in your own home. In the summer there is always an abundance of fresh herbs either in your garden, local farmer's market, or grocery store. The cheap prices and fresh grown herbs of summertime are perfect for drying for year long use. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on drying fresh herbs easily.

The first thing to remember is to use clean, sharp scissors. A sharp knife or razor will also work well when cutting fresh herbs from your garden or cleaning the fresh herbs you have brought home. Remember to cut perennial herbs very far down to the ground. It is important to cut perennials down very low because it will increase the size of their growth in the following year. Annual herbs can be pulled up and cut.

Next you will want to remove the dirt from your herbs. There is nothing nastier than dirt in your herbs so you must clean them very well. Spraying your herbs and shaking off the water will remove dirt. Be careful not to bruise or damage leaves in order to sustain the potency of your herbs.

When the fresh herbs are cleaned you can start getting them ready to dry. To do this carefully cut a few leaves off of the bottom of the stems. Gather several branches into a bundle and tie them with string or yarn. Do not group too many leaves together or they will not dry evenly. The diameter of a bundle should be about an inch depending on the size of the leaves.

Now you can hang your fresh herbs in a dark dry place. You will also want to make sure the place you are hanging your herbs gets plenty of ventilation to increase drying ability and prevent mold. You can opt to put your herbs in a brown paper bag if you like as well. Make sure to poke some holes in the bag to allow for air flow before stashing your herbs in them.

Herbs can take anywhere from 1 week to a month to become completely dried out. Check for the dryness of the herbs by bending the stems. If the stem cracks or snaps the herb is dried out correctly. A bendable stem means the herb still has time until it is dried. When the fresh herbs have completely dried you can take them down and remove the leaves. Place the leaves in clean, dry, and labeled jars to keep them over the rest of the year.

You can dry fresh herbs from your home garden easily. These simple steps will make learning how to dry fresh herbs fun and effortless.

The Relationship Between Short Term and Long Term Goals and How to Accomplish Them

 

Life is boring without goals, and life goals provide us with hope and passion to work for something. It is important to have goals, and it is necessary to understand how to achieve these goals. In order to achieve your goals you must understand what a short term goal and a long term goal is, and you must be able to create a plan in order to achieve these goals. This article will help you understand these concepts, create a plan, and consider other factors that will influence your achievement of your goals.

Short term goals are the smaller steps that will help you achieve your long term goals. These goals are very important to one another because you can not achieve your long term goals without accomplishing short term goals, and short term goals are not very relevant if there is no long term goal to lead up to.

As you evaluate your goals you should consider if they are efficient in relationship to your dreams, means, and lifestyle. You should also consider whether or not these goals are realistic, and if there are other goals you will need to achieve before attempting these goals. You should also consider what may help or hinder your ability to achieve these goals, and you should create a solid plan in regard to all of these influences.

A short term goal in relationship to earning my degree is being able to double up on classes. In order to accomplish this goal I will need to do a few things, and here is my five-step plan. You can create a similar five step plan for accomplishing your short term goals by filling in the logical and necessary steps you must accomplish in order to fulfill your goal.

1. I will have to contact my counselor and I will have to find out the exact requirements I will need to fulfill in order to pick up an extra class.
2. I will have to contact my financial aid advisor to find out the exact cost of taking an extra class.
3. I must complete my first two courses and receive a high grade in order to be allowed to pick up an extra class.
4. I must set money aside every week in order to afford the tuition for an extra class because it is not covered by financial aid.
5. I will have to enroll in a new class, pay for the tuition, and I will have to set aside the extra time I will need to fulfill my obligations to this class.

It is important to understand what short term and long term goals are if you want to accomplish your goals, and it is also important to create a clear path and plan that will help you achieve these goals. When creating your plan remember to keep in mind the many factors that will help and hinder your, and think realistically and clearly about your goals.

Nature Art Therapy Crafts: How to Create Nature Mandala Collage

 

Collages are a lot of fun, and the fall season is a great time to use things found in nature in your crafting projects. Mandalas are a great way to use natural items because the mandala means circle, and it can be seen in nature everywhere. This exercise is a great way to explore your creativity while getting back to nature and spirituality. This project will help you feel unified with the world, and it can help you find a inner calm. Here I will describe how to create a mandala using natural items.

First you will need to take a walk outside. Roam around and enjoy the natural sounds. Look around you in a peaceful manner. You will find many pretty nature treasures everywhere; the world is a lovely place, and these things are there for us to use and wonder at. Collect as many items as you like, and remember to enjoy the process; this time alone with nature is a great way to center your energy and be calm.

Now that you have all your lovely nature items you can start your project. Find a heavy piece of paper or cardboard for a base; you will also need glue, water, and a paintbrush for this project. A hot glue gun will also be helpful for bulkier items. Find a quite place in your home and clean off a table. Before you start gluing, lay all of your items out in front of you.

Now think about the circle and find some items to start with. A mandala starts with a circle in the middle; it can be small, or it can be large and filled with something. Start gluing your items to the paper in a circular fashion. Keep in mind the symmetry, lines, colors, and shapes of the items you are using. Play on their natural beauty as you find the circular pattern in this project.

When your first circle is complete you can continue with a circular pattern on the outside of the circle. Using leaves, sticks, acorns, and many other fun things found outside you can make many patterns of varying colors and shapes. When you are done with your piece, allow it to dry thoroughly before you hang it.

Allow this project to remind you of your unity with the world, and use the imagery and emotion represented by this picture to help you center yourself and find your inner peace. This project is a great way to help work through anxiety and stress; you should try it today!

What is the Color Wheel and How Are Colors Created?

 

The color wheel is a basic theory in art that is the basis of many beautiful masterpieces. The color wheel is an important basic that artists should be aware of and understand when creating, and this article will explain everything you need to know about the color wheel.

Basic colors

The basic color wheel is made up of 6 colors. This does not include various shades of each color, but more complex color wheels do. Once you understand the basics of color and color mixing you will be able to understand even the most complex color wheel. The basic colors are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, and they appear in this order in the color wheel.

Primary colors

The color wheel is made up of 6 colors, and there are many colors found everywhere in nature and the world, but what most people do not realize that all of these colors come from three basic colors. These colors are known as the primary colors, and they are red, blue, and yellow. All of these colors mixed together in different amounts can replicate all the colors found in nature, and they are used to create the other colors on the color wheel. Red and yellow make orange, red and blue make purple, and yellow and blue make green. Green, orange, and purple are known as secondary colors, and all together with red, blue, and yellow you have all of the colors in the color wheel.

Complimentary colors

When looking at the color wheel you may notice that certain colors are across from each other, and when you use these colors together they make each other stand out. This combination of colors is known as complimentary color usage. Red and green, yellow and purple, and blue and orange are complimentary colors, and when you use them together they really pop.

White and Black

Now that you can see how all the colors of the basic color wheel exist in harmony with each other you may be wondering how pastel or dark shades of colors come about. Well, this is where black and white come into play. The use of black and white causes you to turn a regular color into a shade or a tint. Adding white to a color will make it a tint and change the tone of the color; adding black to a color will make it a shade, and it will also change the tone of the color. Using black and white is the perfect way to portray light in pictures, and it allows you to create subtle depth and realistic art.

The color wheel is a wonderful tool for all artists, and understanding the basic theory behind it can help any artist create better work. These theories can improve your art and your understanding of the art you see.

How to Make a Miniature Plate of Pancakes from Polymer Clay

Pancakes covered in syrup are one of my favorite breakfast items, and I could eat some right now. Making pancakes at home are pretty easy, and making miniature pancakes for your dollhouse is pretty easy as well. Here are some detailed instructions on how to make miniature pancakes on a plate that your dolls can enjoy.

To make a plate simply roll a piece of white clay out onto a table coated with baby powder. Next use a quarter to cut perfect circle. Trace a nickel onto a thin piece of cardboard and cut this piece out. Sprinkle a little baby powder onto the piece of clay and press this piece into the middle of the circle of clay and turn it upside down on your baking dish.

To start making your pancakes you will need brown clay, white clay, translucent clay, a small piece of plastic or a lid, a wooden stick or tongue depressor, and liquid polymer clay. Mix a little brown clay with some white clay to make a beige clay for your pancakes. Remember you want them to be golden so add a little orange if you like. Mix the clay really well so that the color is one sold brownish beige. Break the beige clay into three semi even balls; slightly flatten the balls.

Now take some white clay and mix tiny bit of brown and tiny bit of translucent clay with it until it is one solid cream color. Break this into three pieces and roll it into a long tube. Now flatten the tube into a ribbon and wrap it around the outside of the flattened balls. Flatten the balls a little more and make sure the cream color forms a ring around the outside; this gives the effect of real pancakes. Bake these pieces and the plate in the oven for about 7 minutes.

While this is baking mix some translucent clay with some brown clay until it is very soft. Next add this clay to some liquid clay and stir with a wooden stick. You want to make this appear syrupy so add extra liquid clay to it. Mix until combined and set aside Now mix a little bit of white clay with the liquid polymer clay and set this aside too.

When the pancakes are done cooking, and they have cooled you can put everything together. Start this process by stacking your pancakes on top of the plate. Next use a paintbrush to drizzle the brown syrup concoction on top of the pancakes and around the sides of the plate; if the syrup is too thick dd more liquid clay to it.

To make pat of buttter simply cut a cube out of a white piece of clay. Use some of the white liquid clay uou have created to look like melted butter in the middle of the pancake. The liquid clays will mix with each other for a natural look. Now add the square of butter to the top of the pancake and bake again for about 7 minutes. This will set your piece together.

This pancake plate looks realistic and delicious, and it will fit well in your dollhouse kitchen.

How to Make a Mermaid Wedding Crown or Tiara

 

You can learn how to make a mermaid wedding tiara or crown with these detailed instructions. Mermaid and beach themed weddings are always popular and fun. Making a homemade wedding crown is a great addition to your wedding. This article will supply you with the details needed in order to make a mermaid wedding crown for your wedding.

To make a mermaid wedding crown you will need vines, wire, sea shells, clear or iridescent marbles, blue sequins, scissors, blue glass beads, sparkle powder or dust, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, and pearls. The first step to making a mermaid wedding crown is making the base.

If you are going to make it a full crown you will need to start by wrapping the vines into a circle. If they need extra support you can secure the mermaid crown with wire. If you are making a have crown or tiara the process is a little more time consuming. You will also need string and a bowl full of water.

Start by cutting the vines the length you will need for your crown or tiara. Then wrap or twist them together to form a solid bundle. Secure the ends together by wrapping the wire around it several times. Remember to pull the wire tight and twist in between wraps.

Next tie the string around the end of the bundle in a tight knot. Then bend the bundle to make a U shape of a crown. Tie the string around the other side of the bundle in a tight bow. Remember if you can not bend the bundle the entire way it is alright. Bend it until it starts to feel like it might break and tie the bow.

Place the crown or tiara in the bowl of water and leave it for an hour. Then untie the bow and bend the crown more. Continue with this process until the perfect tiara shape is made. When you have reached this point let the tiara soak another hour. After an hour you can remove it from the water. Allow the crown to dry completely before adding the details.

Now add the special mermaid details to this crown by starting with the sea shells. Glue 3 large shells to the front of the crown to create height. Then add beads, more smaller shells, pearls, and marbles to the mermaid crown. Next take a sequin and glue it to the center of the middle seashell. After it has dried add a marble on top of the sequin. Add the sparkles to the crown at the end to fill in areas and cover up glue that is already in place.

This homemade mermaid wedding crown is a special touch that you deserve for your wedding. It is one of a kind and a beautiful addition to your wardrobe.

How to Protect Your Plants from Frost

 

As the winter months are approaching many of us are starting to get ready to make our final harvests, and with the weather now always being very forgiving to our gardens it is important to know how to frost proof your garden before the cold comes. You do not want to lose the plants you have spent so much time growing for the past few months to one night of cold, and I have provided simple instructions on how to prevent frost from ruining your spring and fall crops.

Colder weather is harmful to your plants because it can cause freezing. Water droplets on the leaves and buds of plants can freeze from a drop in temperature, and the moisture freezing results in your plants becoming mushy or black. In order to frost proof your plants you must cover them to keep the moisture from freezing.

Many people recommend using plastic or vinyl sheets to cover your plants, and this can be very effective, but there is a problem with this practice. Plastic will keep the temperature up, and it will guard against the cold air, but it does not breathe. Plastic keeps moisture inside, and if the temperature does accidentally get cold enough to freeze this moisture your plants will get hurt. If you do not have any other option plastic will work, and putting a garbage can over taller plants is also a valuable idea.

Newspaper can be used to protect plants from frost, but it can only be used for sprouts or low growing plants. Newspaper may be harder to work with, but it will work in a pinch for smaller plants. It does not keep moisture in and this is good for your plants.

A bed sheet, burlap, linen, or another light fabric makes a perfect covering for plants. This material will allow moisture to escape, and this will improve the chance that you plants will survive the cold. Bed sheets are also great because they can be recycled, and they cover a large space. Any light piece of large fabric will work well for protecting your plants from frost.

Remember, when covering your plants, to wait for sundown to cover them, and always remove the covering early in the morning so the sun can warm up the soil. These methods are also great wen you are starting your garden early in the season, and if you are like me you always start your plants early to extend the season.

How to Make Recycled 80's Theme Party Invitations

 

You can learn how to make recycled 80's themed party invitations inexpensively and easily. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on how to make three recycled 80's themed party invitations.

Disco Ball

A disco ball is a great focal point for an 80's themed party invitation and you can use recycled Pringles cans to create these invitations. You will also need a black marker, a cup, heavy paper, glue, and scissors for this recycled party invite. You may also add some glitter for a more 80's touch if you have it available.

Start by cutting down the length of a Pringles can. Then cut the bottom off of the can. Unroll the tube and you can recycle the silver cardboard to create a great 80's themed disco ball. Lay the cardboard flat with the cup on top. Then trace the cup with the marker. Cut the circle out and add the disco ball effect by drawing criss-crossed lines on the circle.

Fold the paper in half and add the important details to the inside using a printer or a marker. Then glue the disco ball to the front and add some glitter if you like to finish this 80's theme party invitation made from recycled Pringles cans.

Pac Man

An easy 80's themed party invitation can be made featuring Pacman. For this recycled craft you will need yellow paint, plastic lids, scissors, a black marker, glue, and heavy paper. Start by folding the paper in half.

Then cut the edge of the lid off, and cut a wedge into the side of the lid. Paint the lid yellow and allow it to dry. While the lid is drying fill in the necessary information on the inside of the 80's themed party invitation. When the lid has dried draw a black dot for an eye and glue the Pacman to the front of the invitation.

Boom Box

The boom box is an awesome symbol of the 80's, and it can be a great theme for your party invitation. For this recycled invite you will need cardboard, old magazines, scissors, heavy paper, markers, and glue. Start by cutting a rectangle out of the cardboard.

Color the rectangle black using the markers. While the ink is drying, look through the magazine for black and grey patterns. Cut two circles out of similar paper. Also cut a small rectangle, and a strip of grey paper for buttons.

Glue the circles to the cardboard to look like speakers, add the rectangle in between for a cassette player, and add the strip on top like buttons. Use the markers to draw lines in the strip to separate the buttons, and use the red marker to add the record button if you like. Then fold the heavy paper in half and glue the boom box to the front of it.

Creating 80's themed party invitations are a fun way to recycled while surprising your guest with one of a kind invitation. These 80's themed party invites are easy to make and environmentally friendly.

How to Make a Wire Wrapped Flower Bracelet

 

You can learn how to make a wire wrapped flower bracelet that is perfect for summer. Wire wrapped jewelry is unique and interesting. Adding flowers to your wire wrapped bracelet is a fun way to incorporate a feminine aspect in your wire wrapped jewelry. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating a wire wrapped flower bracelet.

For this bracelet you will need wire, wire cutters, beads, pliers, a needle, and fake flowers. Start by measuring the size of your wrist or the bracelet you are going to make. Then cut a piece of wire that is twice as long as the desire bracelet length. You should also add an extra 2 inches to the length of the wire to allow for bending. For example if your wrist is 6 inches you want to cut a piece of wire that is 14 inches long.

Then fold the wire in half and leave an open loop where the wire has been folded. Twist the ends together to secure the size of the loop. Then add a bead to doubled strands of wire. Find the middle of the bracelet by lightly folding it in half. Mark the center with a slight bend or a marker.

Add more beads and continue twisting until you get to the center of the bracelet. This is where you will add the flower accent. Start by pulling the flower bud off of the stem. You may need to add glue to hold the petals in place. Then press the needle into the plastic base of the flower bud. Push the needle all of the way through.

Then string the wire through the hole in the bottom of the flower. Only one wire will fit, but this is fine. Twist the wire and add beads so the other side is similar to the first side you made. When you reach the end of the wire wrapped bracelet add a bead that will fit through the loop on the other end. Use the pliers to twist the end of the wire into a loop or knot to secure the bead from slipping off.

Bend the wire wrapped flower bracelet into a circle that fits comfortably on your wrist and your craft is complete. Now that you know the basics of creating a wire wrapped flower bracelet you can experiment by adding multiple flowers. This wire craft is a great gift, and wire wrapped bracelets are perfect for summer kids crafts.

How to Make a Princess Crown with Flowers

 

You can make a princess crown with flowers. This crown can be made with kids easily and inexpensively. It is also a great project for adults who want to add a whimsical touch to their style. This article will provide detailed instructions for making a princess crown out of flowers and other natural materials.

For this craft you will need to start with a base. The base of the crown can be made using vines, bendable tree or shrub branches, and flexible tall grass. Start by collecting the materials you wish to use for the base into a pile. You will also need wire or floss and scissors.

Start crafting your princess crown base by gathering a few pieces of the natural material of your choice into your hand. Tie the wire or floss around the end of the bundle tightly. Then bend the rest of the bunch into a circle and tie the ends together when the crown is the right size for your head.

If you are using materials that vary in length you may have to twist the items around each other before you can combine the ends into a circle. Wrapping the vines or grass may seem complicated. It is beneficial to go with the natural movement or twists of the material in order to form a circle. If the vines are particularly tough soak them in warm water for an hour or 2 before bending. You may also add wire to train materials and remove them before you are done.

After you have completed the base of the crown you must make it princess worthy. You will need dried or fake flowers, a hot glue gun, beads, hot glue sticks, and more of the material you made the base with. You can also add sequins, dried or fake leaves, and sparkles.

To add the princess aspect you want to make a pretty design in the front of your crown. You can do so by adding more of the base material to the front of the crown. This can be done using glue or wire. Adding height and peaks to the front of the crown will give it a princess look.

Next add the flowers by pulling the buds off the stem first. Then add a little glue to the bottom of the flower bud and the crown base. Press the flower bud into the crown gently. You can add real flowers to this crown by threading wire or floss through the stem of the flowers and sewing them into the crown. Remember the flowers will wither though and will probably have to be removed.

Add any other decorations you like using the glue gun, and your flower crown is ready for a princess.

How to Design a Teamwork Environment to Foster Employee Satisfaction

 

Planning how to design a teamwork environment can be difficult when considering employee dissatisfaction. There are many factors of influence to consider when designing a teamwork environment in business. Problems will also arise in any teamwork environment, and they should be considered as well. This article will provide you with detailed tips on how to create a teamwork environment that will provide your employees with satisfaction.

When designing a teamwork environment to minimize job dissatisfaction, there are many factors to take into consideration. Social relationships, group structure, and status relationships all play an important role in teamwork and job satisfaction. There are many complex relationships in any organization that will influence how a team works together.

First, I would consider management. Managers should have their own area, and depending on the role of the manager they might even need a separate area from lower level employees. If the manager plays a direct, hands-on, role in the functions of the team it is important put the manager at the center so she is easily accessible and can monitor effectively. If the manager plays a separate part from the everyday function it is important to give her an office where she can has the privacy and time to focus.

It is important to consider social relationships when designing a teamwork environment. Putting people who get along well together in an environment together will most likely produce efficient results because they will be happy and work together easily. Considering those who do not get along is also important because putting to people together that naturally conflict will cause problems and make work harder and more time consuming.

Status is another area to consider because higher ranking individuals may be demanding or dictating and this can cause dissatisfaction for employees. It is also important to consider those who naturally take on leadership roles when creating a teamwork environment because too many cooks will spoil the soup. Some potential issues that can emerge are power struggles, conflicting ideas on direction for the group, group members taking sides, and slacking as a whole. There are also individuals who prefer to work alone, and this should be considered as well.

These different factors will all affect the employee satisfaction of a team. Designing a teamwork environment that nurtures satisfaction and efficiency is important for any business. These tips will help you design a teamwork environment in your business.

Dark and Stormy Night: Painting with Watercolors for Beginners

 

Watercolors a lot of fun to paint with, and there are many different styles and techniques that can be employed when using watercolors. Watercolors a lot of fun to work with for many reasons, they can be made thicker or thinner, they blend differently than most paints, and they are inexpensive. Some people like to use a dry canvas when working with water colors, and some people like to use a completely wet canvas when working with watercolors, but I have found that a combination of both is a lot more interesting and fun to work with. If you would like to learn more about wet ad dry canvas techniques this article is for you; it will teach you how to create your own personal dark and stormy night using watercolor paint and techniques.

For this project you will need watercolor paper or a canvas. I prefer watercolor paper because the texture adds to the effect of the painting. You will also need several different paintbrushes that you feel comfortable using. A cup with water, a pallet, and a rag for cleaning and drying the brush are also useful. For this project you can use tubes of watercolor paints, but you can also use the dry trays of paint that you can buy very inexpensively.

Okay now this is where the dry and wet canvas technique really comes into play. To create a dark and stormy night start by adding clean water to your paintbrush and wetting areas of the watercolor paper with it. The areas that are wet will be used for blending, and the dry areas will remain white. Keep in mind that the white areas of the paper will be areas in your picture that you want to remain white, or they will be areas that you want a different color than the sky. The white areas can make nice cloud shapes and lightning bolts. The white area could even be the moon.

Next add some water to a dark blue or purple color paint. This will be the color of your sky; you can add black or white to the color to add a darker or lighter tone to the sky in this painting. When you have added some paint to the brush lightly drop a little paint on the wet area of the canvas. You will see a burst of color as the water pulls the paint. Play with this effect to create a beautiful night sky, and when you are satisfied allow the painting to dry. Remember if you do not like the way something came out you can always use a piece of paper towel to blot some of the paint off of the picture.

After the background has dried feel free to add your details. You can paint a mountain landscape by making several hump shapes across the horizon of the painting. To make the mountains look more realistic add smaller sized humps in the back. When you color these in remember to have the mountains in the background be lighter because this will add depth.

There are many different scenes that can be added to your stormy night sky, and the wet and dry canvas technique is a lot of fun to play with. You can create many different things using this style, and you can create many different layers of color by letting these levels dry in between. So bust out your paint brushes and have fun!

How to Promote Expressive Language in Early Childhood Education

 

It is important to know how to promote expressive language in early childhood education because it will help develop literacy in children. Expressive language can easily be promoted through many experiences and activities. This article will discuss several methods on how to promote expressive language in early childhood education.

It is important to provide children with opportunities to use expressive language in early childhood education classrooms. Expressive language should be stimulated in a nurturing environment, and children should be encouraged to communicate. Patience, acceptance, and respect are important factors in teaching early childhood children how to use expressive language (Wortham, 2005). Here are some tips on how to promote expressive language in early childhood education.

1. Help children pronounce words appropriately and help increase vocabularies of early childhood students. Increasing vocabulary can be achieved by introducing students to new words regularly.

2. Encourage students to use complete sentences when speaking (Wortham, 2005). This includes the use of adjectives, adverbs, propositions, and clauses.

3. Promote expressive language by encouraging students to continue communication with each other until they are accurately understood.

4. Help students learn how to use language in an expressive manner by interpreting emotions and motivations. Also help early childhood students figure out problems by suggesting hypothesis, relating events, and predicting possible outcomes (Wortham, 2005).

5. Using expressive language is not limited to emotion. Students should be taught to use language to describe sizes and amounts. The use of adjectives to make comparisons and contrasts is also recommended when intending to promote expressive language in early childhood education.

6. Allow children to use expressive language in many different settings and with a variety of people (Wortham, 2005).

7. Classroom arrangement should allow students to have areas where communication is necessary and used often. Playing and discussing activities is an excellent way for early childhood children to learn how to use expressive language. These activities will promote expressive language development, and teachers should encourage this use by being in constant communication with the students (Wortham, 2005).

8. Pretend is a very important part of learning how to promote expressive language in early childhood education. When children use their imagination to create play themes in the classrooms they must use an extensive amount of expressive language to communicate their ideas to peers. This method of using expressive language should be promoted in the early childhood education classroom.

9. Teachers can also promote expressive language by discussing previous and future activities with students. Dramatic reenactments of events or stories are also an excellent way of encouraging expressive language in early childhood education.

Teachers must know how to promote expressive language in early childhood education. This type of language will increase a child's reading comprehension and literacy.

Reference:

Wortham, S. C. (2005). Early Childhood Curriculum: Developmental Bases for Learning and Teaching (4th Edition) (4 ed.). Alexandria, VA: Prentice Hall.

How to Draw a Tree

 

Trees are beautiful and amazing parts of nature, and I feel very drawn to trees. I have found that over the course of years that I have been drawing, which is most of my life, that I tend to always come back to drawing trees. Maybe I love nature, or maybe the age and wisdom that a tree suggests is what brings me back to trees all of the time; either way trees are great subjects for any artist, and this article will teach you how to draw a tree in a few simple steps.

First you will need a pencil and paper. Any paper will do, and you can use canvas for this project if you plan on painting it afterwards. Gather your tools and find a peaceful place to relax; if you can try to sit out side so you can be inspired by your surroundings.

Start your drawing by creating a horizon line; this line will help you find the place where your tree will live. Your horizon line can span the horizontal length of the paper, or it can trail off to suggest a mountain or hillside. Next decide what season it will be because the different seasons will add a different touch to your tree.

Now start by drawing the trunk; this is accomplished easily by starting with a line a little below your horizon line. Taper this line in a little bit up from the bottom, follow through in a straight line upward, and have your line branch outward at an obtuse angle. It is okay if your line does not stay completely straight because most trees are not completely straight. Next draw a similar line on the opposite of the line to create the other side of the tree.

If you are creating a tree full of leaves you will not need to make many branches so start out by adding another line to the branches that have extended out of the top of the tree trunk. These lines should be parallel to the first lines, and they should form slender branches. When you reach where your trunk ends create a V shape by drawing a line going back upward. This line does not have to be as high as the first lines. Add another V shape in the middle to show more branches, and fill in smaller v shapes in areas that look empty.

If you are planning to make a leafless tree follow the same method as you did to create the branches on either side of the trunk with the branches on the inside. In order to finish the branches you will have to create smaller V shapes at the end to show tinier branches. It is amazing how many v shapes make up a tree.

If your tree exists in the spring time you can add leaves very simply; all you need to do is start at one side of the tree branches and make a squiggly line. Continue with this line until you have made an oval shape. This part will be the leaves. Now you can make smaller overlapping diamond shapes to add individual leaf details. Remember to round some of the edges because not all leaves will be completely pointy.

To add details to the tree trunk you can add some more lines of varying lengths to the inside of the trunk. These lines should be parallel to the trunk itself. You can also add an oval that is filled with smaller oval shapes to add character to the tree. This is a spot where an owl would live.

I hope this article has taught you the basics of tree drawing, and I hope it inspires you to draw!

How to Tie-Dye with Kids: 3 Fun Patterns

 

Tie-dye is a great project for kids; it is inexpensive and a lot of fun, and it allows kids to be really creative. This article will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to tie-dye a t-shirt three different ways with your kids.

Supplies

First you will need the essential supplies, and you have two options to choose from. You can buy a tie-dye kit at your local craft store, or you can gather your own items for tie-dying. The items you will need are newspaper, all purpose dye in fuchsia, yellow, and turquoise, rubber bands, squirt bottles, plastic bags, and gloves.

Getting Prepared

Start by covering your work table in newspaper. If you are using a store bought kit you can now mix together the soda ash and water in a bucket. You can also mix together the colors of dye and fill the squirt bottles. For more defined designed you should wet the t-shirt prior to adding the rubber bands, but remember to wring it out well.

Patterns

To create a lined pattern pleat your shirt by folding it back and forth, but remember if you pleat it vertically your lines will appear horizontally and vice-versa. Kids will find this design easy, and you can help them add rubber bands at various points along the folded shirt.

For a spiral pattern you must start by pinching the center of the shirt. Next spin the point that you have pinched until the rest of the shirt is wrapped around it in a disk shape. This disk shape can then be wrapped in rubber bands to help keep its form.

A simple circle pattern can be created by pinching sections of the shirt and wrapping the rubber bands around it. This may be the easiest pattern for children, and its abstract results are a lot of fun.

Soaking, Dyeing, and Curing

Now that your t-shirts are all wrapped up in rubber bands you can add the dye using the squirt bottles. If you are using a kit remember to soak the shirt in the soda ash water mix for 10 minutes prior to dyeing. After the color has been applied wrap the item in a plastic bag for at least 4 hours to cure.When the shirt has cured you can wash it in the washer machine to remove excess dye, and your tie-dye shirt is complete. This simple project is a fun way to allow kids to explore their creativity while learning about color and having fun!

How to Make a Miniature Polymer Clay Chocolate Pie for a Dollhouse

 

Dollhouses are a lot of fun, and they supply children and adults with hours of fun. Dollhouses are so great because you can make them personal; you can add all the different details you want because you make it come to life. There are a lot of fun projects for dollhouses, and this article will teach you how to make miniature polymer clay chocolate pie for a dollhouse.

For this project you will need some paint, brown clay, white clay, beige clay, a knife and a bottle cap. You can make many different pies, and many different little details can be added to make this pie even better.

Before you can start assembling your pie you will need to make a crust. Start out using some beige clay. If you do not have beige clay you can mix brown and white until it is a uniform beige color. Roll out the beige clay until it is thin enough to make a crust. If you find that the clay sticks too much you can sprinkle some baby powder on the surface you are using. You can use a bottle to roll out the clay.

After you have enough clay rolled out you should place it over the upside down bottle cap. Press the clay down in the cap so that it lies flat, and trim the clay using your knife. Fold the clay over and crimp the clay around the edge to form a nice crust. Now you have a universal crust that can be used for any type of pie.

For a chocolate cream pie you will need a good sized blob of brown clay, and a little ball of beige clay. Mix the two colors together, but do not completely mix them so you can still see some swirls in the clay. Roll it into a ball that will fit inside the pie crust. After you press the clay inside the crust twist the top of the brown clay to create a peak.

If you want to add some whip cream to this pie you can roll a small strand of white clay and add it to the pie. To make this look nice you should twist the white clay around as you lay it down in a circle to create loops. You can also add little red balls to look like cherries. Just roll little red balls and use the knife to add an indent in the cherry. Place these on top for a sweet effect.

Simply bake this pie for about 10 minutes, and when it is cool you can paint the bottle cap to match the rest of the dinnerware in your dollhouse.

Chocolate pies are delicious in real life, and your dolls will like them too. Making pies for your dollhouses is easy and fun additions to your collection.

How to Make a Miniature Polymer Clay Sandwich for a Dollhouse

by Sarah Ganly @ sarahganly.blogspot.com

Dollhouses are a lot of fun; especially when you can make your own accessories for them. I love to sculpt and make mini items out of polymer clay. It is so easy to use, and it bakes hard in 10 minutes. For those of you out there who love making things from polymer clay and love doll houses here is a step by step guide on how to make a miniature sandwich.

First you will need a small piece of white or off white clay, a medium piece of tan clay, and small piece of red clay, green clay, and yellow clay. Make sure all of your clay is pretty warm and soft. You can make this happen by rolling it around and playing it with it for a little while. The warmth from your hands will warm up the clay and make it easy to work with.

The next step is to shape the bread. Take the tan clay and separate it evenly into 2 balls. Flatten them and make them square shape. Next you will pinch them slightly on both sides about 2 thirds of the way up the sides. This will give the bead the look of a muffin top. That is the fresh baked out of the oven look you want.

Next it is time to assemble the ingredients for your sandwich. Use the green to make lettuce leaves; this part is very fun and simple. All you have to do is pinch and rip the clay until it resembles chopped lettuce. Next separate the ball of red into 2 or 3 littler balls. Now flatten those balls, and you have yourself some tomatoes.

All sandwiches are not complete until you add some meat and cheese; so take the white clay and flatten it into an organic shape. Think of the turkey you would buy at the store. This process is similar to making the lettuce leafs. You can also add a bit of beige to the white for detail. Now shape the yellow into flat squares, and don't worry if you can't get perfect edges. You can always use a knife or scissors to make the edges of the cheese straighter.

Now that you have all of your ingredients you can assemble your sandwich. Stack all of these little treats inside the bread and remember to make sure the edges are overlapped and viewable from the outside. Now put your sandwich in the fridge or the freezer for a couple of minutes. This will harden the clay right up, and when you remove it you can cut it in half with a regular house hold knife.

Bake this treat at the recommended temperature for about 10 minutes, and when it is cool have fun!